Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union Match Thread [7:30]

It has been a long three months since the Portland Timbers last played a meaningful game of soccer. There have been scrimmages and preseason games, but nothing compares to a game with three points on the line.

Today the Portland Timbers kick off the 2014 season, hosting the Philadelphia Union and their new designated player Maurice Edu. The Timbers' multifaceted attack will need to start to click today if they want to break down what will likely be a crowded Philadelphia midfield.

Here's all the information you need for today's game:

General Information

Preview Interview: "I also think playing Brian Carroll and Maurice Edu as a tandem at central defensive midfield will help whoever is back on defense to slow down any oncoming attack. Any time you have 6 back on defense it makes it difficult for anyone looking to score."

Match Preview: "At the back, [Norberto Paparatto] has been a solid part of a Timbers defense that did not give up a goal in the run of play during the preseason, only allowing four goals in six games while the Timbers' first team was on the pitch."

Watch it on: ROOT Sports

Kick off: 7:30 pm at Providence Park in Portland, OR

Portland Timbers: 0-0-0, finished 1st in the Western Conference in 2013

Philadelphia Union: 0-0-0, finished 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2013